WTF?

                In our “society” we use a lot of acronyms such as FTM, PTB, EGH, etc…. wise words from wise men, words to live by. I have an acronym that I absolutely live, eat and breath and although I’m not trying to get it added to any list, I would like to share it with all of you.

                One afternoon I had the pleasure of speaking to a Law Enforcement Officer while driving on the expressway. After seeing my Firefighter plates and the IAFF sticker upon his approach to my vehicle, he did not ask for my Drivers License and Registration, instead asked “Where’s The Fire?” I thought to myself, that is a good question. Where is the fire?

                ”WTF”

                Where’s The Fire? That is what I want to know all the time. In a perfect world (mine) this would be the only acronym I would need. That’s where I want to be! I want to go to fires! I want to go to every fire, all the time. I don’t want to miss even one. Don’t get me wrong….. I don’t want anyone to loose their stuff or get hurt in a fire, but if there is a fire, I want to be there.

                “WTF?” This is a good question to ask at a job: Where is it? Where is it going? What should I do now? How much time do I have? Of course, this should be on everyone’s mind when we are working.

                Sometimes, maybe we should ask the Apparatus Operator this very question. Slow down, don’t move the apparatus until everyone has their seatbelt fastened. If the vehicle is involved in a collision and you suffer a career ending injury or, God forbid, worse…..you’ll never have to ask “Where’s The Fire?” ever again.

                Does your Department or crew have to ask this question about training? Is “the fire” in the willingness to train? And, is it in the content? With Haz-Mat, Water and Ice Rescue, Confined Space, E.M.S., bombs and dirty bombs…….”Where’s The Fire?” Put it back.

                “Where’s The Fire?” Is it in your head? Stay focused, keep learning, question everything and try to find a new and better way to do this job. You owe it to the guys following you, someone did it for you, so it’s the least you can do.

                And above all……

                If, in the future, someone asks you “Where’s The Fire?” I hope you can point to your heart and proudly tell them….. “It’s right here”!

Engineer Ronald Smith (G-Ron)

Truck Co. #1

Gary, IN